Vusi Nova promises surprise for fans at iRock festival

[caption id="attachment_75952" align="alignright" width="300"] KWADWESI ORIGINAL: 'I know what the PE crowd want,' says Sama-nominated singer Vusi Nova -[/caption]

AWARD-WINNING singer Vusi Nova has a surprise up his sleeve for fans who attend the iRock Music Festival at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Saturday.

Nova, who has been nominated for best R&B soul album at this year’s SA Music Awards (Sama), said he could not wait to perform in front of a home crowd.

The Kwa-Dwesi-born singer said: “I am over the moon about being part of the iRock music festival eBhayi.

“No artist can rock my home more than I can – I know what the PE crowd wants.

“I will give my all because I don’t like giving people half performances.”

And while he did not want to reveal a name, Nova said he would throw in a surprise performance with “a [familiar] Xhosa singer”. “People will love it.” Speaking of his latest album, Did It for Love, Nova said the response had been amazing.

“It’s . . . validation that people, especially my peers, are finally recognising my work.

“My first single from the album, Waterfalls, is doing well on national radio and television.

“Also in this album is a song I did with Kelly Khumalo, Baby, which people will like.”

As someone from the Eastern Cape, Nova said, he had a keen interest in helping upand-coming artists.

“I have also featured Nathi Mankayi, a talented afro-pop singer from Mthatha,” he said.

Mankayi would be featured during his set on Saturday.

“Afro-pop singers like Ntando and Ringo should look out for this talented guy.

“Nelson Mandela Bay people will be lucky to see him perform,” he said.

Nova will share the stage with Thandiswa Mazwai, Beatenberg, DJ Clock, Tbo Touch, DJ Fresh, Busiswa, Ringo, Monique Bingham, AKA and DJ Dimples.

Gates open at 2pm and tickets are available through Computicket at R180.

VIP tickets are R650.

-Yoliswa Sobuwa